RALEIGH – Every year as Michelle Marsh entered a new grade, she was reminded that she had the same name as a well-known news anchor in her hometown.

Marsh

Michele Marsh is a former New York television news anchor.

“That’s what got the bug in my head that ‘Oh, maybe there is this career where I could deliver the news,’ ” Marsh said. “That’s where it initially started.”

Following her hunches, Marsh graduated magna cum laude from the S.I. School of Public Communications with a B.S. in broadcast journalism.

“It came full circle,” she said.

Her career began in 2006 in Binghamton, N.Y., three hours outside of her home in New York City. She then relocated to Albany, N.Y., as a reporter and anchor for WRGB-TV. Three years later, Marsh moved to Atlanta as the anchor and reporter for WGCL-TV before coming to Raleigh as the morning and noon anchor for WRAL-TV.

“It is a career that can take you to various cities,” she said. “You meet very interesting people who have unique stories to tell.”

Throughout her career, Marsh has received recognition for her investigative reports and has four Emmy nominations, including Best Reporter.

“What inspires me is knowing that there are other stories to be told. There are a lot of folks who have important messages to share, but they don’t necessarily have the outlet to do so. The media still serves that purpose of giving a voice to the voiceless,” she said.

Her most memorable story was interviewing the mother of Bobby Tillman, a student that was bullied and beaten to death at a party.

“To talk to both sides, it was a really emotional story to cover; seeing the pain of this mom who had just lost her son and then talking to those individuals who were suspected of committing this heinous crime,” she said.

Marsh looks up to Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer and her older sister, Renč Marsh, who is a CNN correspondent.

“I learn a lot from her. I can see how things work out for her. Then I say, how can I do this better,” she said. “I always give her credit for the success that I have.”

On honoring Women’s History Month, Marsh believes “It is important to pause for a moment and reflect on what they have achieved. I think it is something for not only young women to notice, but for others to recognize – men as well – the longevity these women have in their careers.”

Outside of journalism, Marsh has trained in tap, pointe and modern dance for many years. She also enjoys reading, traveling, musical theater, attending sporting events and eating spicy foods.